Highlights:
President Donald Trump has once again placed Greenland at the center of international debate, renewing his push to bring the autonomous island under US control just days before the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. In a move that has drawn global attention, Trump shared an image on Truth Social portraying Greenland as a “U.S. territory established in 2026,” signaling what he described as an irreversible strategic necessity.
The image, posted to Trump’s social media platform, shows the former president standing alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Greenland prominently labeled as American territory. The post underscores Trump’s long-standing interest in the world’s largest island, an interest he has framed as essential to both national and global security.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Davos summit, Trump criticized European nations for what he described as decades of neglect. He accused NATO allies of ignoring repeated warnings about growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region, particularly in Greenland. According to Trump, this lack of attention has left the strategically located island vulnerable.
Reuters quoted Trump as saying that Europe had dismissed NATO concerns for nearly 20 years, allowing geopolitical rivals to expand their presence and influence near critical Arctic routes. He reiterated that the United States could no longer afford to overlook the region’s importance.
Trump also revealed that he had recently spoken with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, describing the call as “good.” Following the conversation, Trump doubled down on his position, writing on Truth Social that U.S. control of Greenland was “imperative for National and World Security.” He added emphatically, “There can be no going back — on that, everyone agrees!”
Later, speaking in Florida, Trump repeated claims that both Russia and China are actively seeking influence in Greenland. He argued that Denmark, which governs the island as an autonomous territory, lacks the military and defensive capabilities necessary to protect it. “We have to have it,” Trump told reporters, suggesting that US involvement was inevitable.
Adding another layer of controversy, Trump linked his Greenland stance to his frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. In a letter sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump wrote that he no longer felt obligated to prioritize peace after being “snubbed,” despite claiming credit for stopping multiple wars.
In the letter, Trump questioned Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, arguing that there was no definitive documentation proving ownership. He suggested that historical landings by various nations weakened Denmark’s claim, reinforcing his argument that U.S. acquisition would be justified.
Trump’s renewed rhetoric has once again sparked international concern, with critics questioning both the legality and implications of such a move. As global leaders prepare to meet in Davos, Greenland has unexpectedly emerged as a focal point in a broader debate over security, sovereignty, and power in the Arctic.
